Morocco vs Croatia LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction today
Morocco 0-0 Croatia: The Group F clash ended goalless with Luka Modric and co frustrated at the Al Bayt Stadium
Croatia‘s bid to emulate their World Cup exploits of four years ago began in stuttering fashion with a frustrating Group F stalemate against Morocco. The 2018 runners-up controlled possession at Al Bayt Stadium but lacked a cutting edge in a forgettable 0-0 draw against opposition with just two World Cup victories in their history.
Nikola Vlasic went close to an opener in first-half added time, while Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi threatened winners for Morocco in the second period. The result leaves both sides with hope of reaching the knockout stages - albeit with plenty to do - in a group also containing Belgium and Canada. Croatia‘s starting XI contained five players who were involved in their 4-2 World Cup final defeat to France in Russia, including influential captain Luka Modric.
Manager Zlatko Dalic also remained from that match in Moscow and saw his side struggle to create in a tight, uninspiring opening period largely devoid of clear openings. Tottenham’s Ivan Perisic lashed narrowly over from distance, while Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech wastefully fired a well-positioned free-kick straight into the wall at the other end.Croatia saved their best first-half attempts for added time.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was finally tested when he repelled a close-range poke from Vlasic with a thigh, before Modric smashed over just before the whistle. Walid Regragui only took charge of the Atlas Lions three months before the tournament and was yet to see his new side concede a goal.
They remained resilient at the back after the restart and also improved from an attacking perspective, with Bayern Munich full-back Mazraoui, who was later stretchered off injured, seeing a header pushed away by Dominik Livakovic. Paris St Germain defender Hakimi then had a superb long-range effort denied by Croatia keeper Livakovic after being teed up by Ziyech at a free-kick before the contest faded away into the third goalless draw in the competition’s last four games. Croatia continue their campaign against Canada on Sunday afternoon, with Morocco facing Belgium earlier that day.
Germany 1-0 Japan
57 mins: Double change for Japan - Maeda and Nagatomo OFF, Asano and Mitoma ON.
Asano involved straight away down the right, with his cross headed wide!
Germany 1-0 Japan
55 mins: Raum’s ball through to Havertz is heavy - and Japan keeper Gonda gets their first.
Havertz is then given offside; replays show he isn’t though.
Germany 1-0 Japan
51 mins: Musiala beats about four Japan players in the box... before he blazes over again!
Mesmeric play from the 19-year-old, but he again can’t provide the finishing touch!
It remains 1-0...
Germany 1-0 Japan
50 mins: Japan’s Wataru Endo with a mazy run into the box, laying up Daichi Kamada whose shot is deflected over.
Japan can’t create anything from the subsequent corner!
Germany 1-0 Japan
47 mins: Good chance for Gnabry!
Muller powerfully surges towards the box, teeing up his Bayern team-mate on the right - he goals for goal, but is wayward at the near post.
Probably should’ve crossed...
Germany 1-0 Japan
45 mins: Back underway with the second-half.
No changes from Germany boss Hansi Flick so far...
Germany 1-0 Japan
SECOND-HALF: Japan with a half-time substitution.
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu is on for Takefusa Kubo - looks like he’ll go to left centre-back in the back three.
Germany 1-0 Japan
HALF-TIME: Germany lead through Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty.
Germany got better and better as the half went on, but Japan aren’t out of this yet! They’ve got pace in abundance in attack but just need to be more decisive in the final third.
Germany could be a few more goals up, truth be told. They’ve had chances.
Well, it’s better than the first game of the day at least!
Germany 1-0 Japan
45+6: Frantic end to the half!
Maeda is first to the cross in the box but glances wide of the far post!
Best chance for Japan.
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